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Courtney Carolyn Photography - Detroit & Northern Michigan Weddings

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Michigan Wedding Photography

Michigan Wedding Photographer

Courtney Carolyn Photography - Detroit & Northern Michigan Weddings

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  • »Blog
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Welcome to the Blog

My 3-Day Las Vegas Bachelorette Trip | Part 3 of Our Wedding Planning Journey

February 3, 2019 Courtney Carolyn
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I think there is something about preparing for your next vacation that makes you reflect on the last trip you took! In two weeks and two days time, Scott and I will be heading out to Florida for our honeymoon (finally!!) and all this excitement has me thinking back on my Bachelorette Trip to Las Vegas, NV last July (how has it already been 7 months since we were here?!).

After a year of wedding planning, I am a firm believer that every bride deserves a fun, relaxing trip with her girls to help them unwind! As a recent bride-to-be myself last year, I went back and forth on either a trip to the city or a trip to the beach, but in the end who can say no to Vegas?!! . . .

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In Personal, Advice Tags 2019, February 2019, Las Vegas, Nevada, Las Vegas Bachelorette Party, Bachelorette Part, Bachelorette Party, Desert Wedding, Desert Engagement, Desert Session, Wedding Planning, Courtney and Scott, Courtney and Scott's Wedding, Girl Trip, Travel, Weekend Getaway
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Colorful, Tropical Wedding Shoot in Chicago, IL | Anna + Patrick

January 30, 2019 Courtney Carolyn
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It is currently -34 degrees, right now, with the wind chill . . . and that’s why I am SO excited to finally share today’s blog post because it is giving me all the island vibes!!

Question - How do you have your wedding in Chicago, but still incorporate your love of Hawaii?? . . .

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In Weddings Tags January 2019, 2019, Styled Shoot, Inspiration, Wedding Inspiration, Tropical Wedding, Navy Pier, Chicago Engagement, Chicago City Skyline, Chicago Wedding Photographer, Destination Chicago Wedding, Urban Wedding, The Crystal Gardens, Elopement, Elopement Inspiration, Indoor Winter Wedding, Hawaii Wedding, Hawaii Inspired Wedding, Tropical Boho Wedding, Beach Wedding, Chicago, Downtown Chicago
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Rustic, Whimsical Wedding at Vale Royal Barn, Fenton, MI | Emily + Jordan

December 19, 2018 Courtney Carolyn
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I am so excited to share the images from Emily and Jordan’s amazing wedding day because their whole celebration from their first look to the decor was out of this world gorgeous! Not only are Emily and Jordan just laid-back, funny, and kind, but they are both very adventurous! You see, their wedding day started off with sunshine and clear skies, but shortly after they shared their First Look, some dark clouds rolled in and it started to pour! . . .

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In Weddings Tags 2018, December 2018, Fall Wedding, Fall, Fall Colors, Football, Football Wedding, Tailgating, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Disney Wedding, Pumpkin, Pumpkin Wedding, Barn, Barn Wedding, Vale Royal Barn, Fenton, First Look, Bride and Groom First Look
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Cozy, Fall Engagement at Old Family Farm, Monroe, MI | Sam + Josh

December 6, 2018 Courtney Carolyn
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We spent an evening together exploring Sam’s PaPa’s 100-year old farm in the countryside and these two were the best!! It was the perfect fall day with bright orange and yellow trees and the evening light was golden, glowy, and so romantic. . . .

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In Engagements Tags 2018, November 2018, Fall Engagement, Fall Colors, Fall, Fall Outfit, Football, Football Engagement, Beers, Brewery, Champagne Toast Engagement, Beer Toast Engagement, Blanket, Rustic Engagement, Rustic, Barn, Barn Engagement, Family Farm, Farm Engagement, Country Engagement
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Natural, Rustic Wedding at The Valley at Frutig Farms| Allie + Jason

November 20, 2018 Courtney Carolyn
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“So you wanna go to a real party?” . . .⠀
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This is Allie and Jason’s wedding day, and they were living out their best Titanic life at their wedding reception! I have never seen a dance floor more energetic or more joyful than Allie and Jason’s!! (Make sure you scroll all the way to the end to see their killer dance moves and some special end of the night magic we created together!) . . .

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In Weddings Tags 2018, November 2018, Barn Wedding, Barn, Rustic, Rustic Wedding, The Valley, The Valley Wedding, The Valley at Misty Farms, Frutig Farms, Greenery Wedding, Green Wedding Inspiration, Green Bridesmaids Dresses, Baby's Breath Bouquets, Foodie Wedding, Outdoor Wedding Ceremony, Natural Wedding, Nature Inspired Wedding, First Look, Emotional First Look, Emotional Toasts, Fun wedding
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Candid + Romantic Wedding at the Masonic Temple, in Detroit, MI | Emily + Willie

November 12, 2018 Courtney Carolyn
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Emily and Willie's wedding day is one of my new favorites (although I say that every week because all of my couples are just so UH-mazing!!), not only because this couple is so in love (see photos of their first look where Willie wipes away some of Emily's tears!), but their wedding took place at one of my favorite venues in downtown Detroit; the Masonic Temple! . . .

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In Weddings Tags 2018, November 2018, Downtown Detroit Wedding, Downtown Detroit, Downtown Detroit Engagement, Detroit, Detroit Wedding, Belle Isle Engagement, Belle Isle Wedding, DIA, DIA Engagement, DIA Wedding, Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Institute of Arts Wedding, Detroit Institute of Arts Engagement, Detroit Masonic Temple, Detroit Masonic Temple Wedding, The Detroit Masonic Temple, First Look, Bride and Groom First Look
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Autumn, Apple Orchard Engagement at Hy's Cider Mill | Claire + Ken

October 28, 2018 Courtney Carolyn
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We wandered amongst the apple trees and Claire and Ken picked apples as we went along. These two really love the dramatic arts and so when I voiced to them that I felt like the trees might come alive any minute, like in the Wizard of Oz, they got my reference right away! . . .

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In Engagements Tags 2018, October 2018, Autumn, Autumn Engagement, fall, Fall Inspiration, Fall wedding, Fall Outfit, Fall Portraits, Apple Orchard Engagement, Cider Mill, Apple Orchard, Cider Mill Engagement, Playful Engagement
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Playful, Blush and Navy Wedding, Detroit Athletic Club | Jordan + Grant

October 18, 2018 Courtney Carolyn
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Jordan and Grant's wedding day will always hold a special place in my heart, not only because this couple is so adorable (see photos with their dog, Monty!), but their wedding is the first after MY wedding in August! It's hard to believe it, but my excitement for not only Jordan and Grant but for all my CCP Couples doubled after being a bride myself! . . .

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In Weddings Tags 2018, October 2018, The Detroit Athletic Club Wedding, The Detroit Athletic Club, Downtown Detroit, Downtown Detroit Wedding, Blush and Navy Wedding Colors, Laid back wedding, Playful Wedding, Dog
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Laid-Back Fall Engagement in Downtown Plymouth, MI | Kim + Mark

October 16, 2018 Courtney Carolyn
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When Kim told me that Mark proposed to her while they were playing a round of putt-putt golf, I knew we would be fast friends! Mini golf is something my husband, Scott, and I also really enjoy and I love when my CCP Couples share the same interests as us! Kim also told me that at the end of their first date, Mark dipped her back and kissed her goodnight (a first for her)! Talk about romantic!! . . .

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In Engagements Tags 2018, October 2018, Plymouth Michigan, Downtown Plymouth, Plymouth Engagement, Urban Engagement, City Engagement, Fall Engagement, fall engagement
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Alternative, Joyful Wedding at the Belle Isle Casino, Detroit, MI | Erin + Dmitri

October 10, 2018 Courtney Carolyn
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My heart is so full, today, as I looked for blog images to share from Erin and Dmitri's beautiful wedding day which took place at the Belle Isle Casino in Detroit, MI! Not only was Erin SUCH a gorgeous bride, she was one of the happiest brides I’ve ever seen as well! . . .

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In Weddings Tags October 2018, 2018, Belle Isle, Belle Isle Wedding, Belle Isle Casino, Sunset Portraits, Artistic Wedding, Alternative Wedding, Glamorous Wedding, Sophisticated Wedding, Joyful Wedding, Minimal Wedding, Alternative Bride, Downtown Detroit, Downtown Detroit Wedding
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Older Posts →

Hey there!

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I'M COURTNEY - Wedding Photographer. Newlywed. Frequent Movie Quoter. Beach Bum. Champion of Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit. Based out of Detroit, MI.

I feel like I have THE BEST job in the entire world, and I don't want to feel like a total stranger on your wedding day so please feel free to have a look around or connect with me!


Top Featured Posts:

Welcome to the Blog
Colorful, Tropical Wedding Shoot in Chicago, IL | Anna + Patrick
Colorful, Tropical Wedding Shoot in Chicago, IL | Anna + Patrick
Rustic, Whimsical Wedding at Vale Royal Barn, Fenton, MI | Emily + Jordan
Rustic, Whimsical Wedding at Vale Royal Barn, Fenton, MI | Emily + Jordan
Natural, Rustic Wedding at The Valley at Frutig Farms| Allie + Jason
Natural, Rustic Wedding at The Valley at Frutig Farms| Allie + Jason
Candid + Romantic Wedding at the Masonic Temple, in Detroit, MI | Emily + Willie
Candid + Romantic Wedding at the Masonic Temple, in Detroit, MI | Emily + Willie
Playful, Blush and Navy Wedding, Detroit Athletic Club | Jordan + Grant
Playful, Blush and Navy Wedding, Detroit Athletic Club | Jordan + Grant
Alternative, Joyful Wedding at the Belle Isle Casino, Detroit, MI | Erin + Dmitri
Alternative, Joyful Wedding at the Belle Isle Casino, Detroit, MI | Erin + Dmitri
Casually Chic + Modern Wedding in Rochester, MI | Allie + Stan
Casually Chic + Modern Wedding in Rochester, MI | Allie + Stan
Fun, Nautical-Inspired Wedding, Port Huron, MI | Hannah + Josh
Fun, Nautical-Inspired Wedding, Port Huron, MI | Hannah + Josh
Candid, Classic Wedding at The H Hotel, Midland, MI | Alyssa + Adam
Candid, Classic Wedding at The H Hotel, Midland, MI | Alyssa + Adam
Timeless Captain's Club Wedding, Grand Blac, MI | Jessica + Sheamus
Timeless Captain's Club Wedding, Grand Blac, MI | Jessica + Sheamus

Blog Categories

WEDDINGS

WEDDINGS

ADVICE and EDUCATION

ADVICE and EDUCATION

PERSONAL

PERSONAL

ENGAGEMENTS

ENGAGEMENTS


 

Follow me on Instagram

Behind the scenes, wedding sneak peeks, and where real life is better than a curated one! @CourtneyCarolynPhotography

Me: “Will you be my Valentine?” ⠀
Scott: *Gives me a quizzical look.*⠀
Also Me: “That was a rhetorical question. You have no choice - we’re married.” ⠀
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Scott started off our morning by making scrambled eggs and potatoes for us and we watched a few episodes of Desert Flippers on Hulu.🌵🍳⠀
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It was a chill Valentine’s Day, but ours always seem to be that way whether we plan it out or totally wing it! We mostly enjoy just being together, but I thought I’d share some of my favorite things; the Valentines Edition!⠀
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🌙 Favorite Romantic Comedy: My Big, Fat Greek Wedding & Moonstruck⠀
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🖤 Favorite Kind of Chocolate: Sea Salt Chocolate Carmel⠀
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👓 Favorite Love Song: “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” by Starship & “Dearest” by Buddy Holly ⠀
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🍷 Celebratory Drink: White Wine⠀
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🧖🏼‍♀️🧖🏻‍♂️ Favorite Splurge Item: Spa Treatments⠀
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💐 Favorite Flower: Yellow Roses or Ranunculus ⠀
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🎁 Favorite Valentine’s Tradition: Sending unexpected gifts to loved ones⠀
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Tell me in the comments one of your holiday favorites from this list! I love getting to know who my followers are and hearing about all the things you love! (Extra bonus points if you use emojis!) 🥰
I can tell you til I’m blue in the face why I believe my business is really something great! But instead (for today, anyway 😉) I’ll use the words of @krislcarr, a CCP Bride, who along with her husband Dave is living in Boston while they complete their residency programs! ⠀
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She recently told me, “When we started looking at photographers, I came across Courtney's website and loved how clean and professional the photos looked and how the colors look so vibrant! But when we met with her and Scott, it sealed the deal. I loved how relaxed and informative the meeting was and how flexible we could be with make our engagement and make her wedding package work for us. The examples of the albums were beautiful and I knew I wanted one for our future home. Even though we had a year and a half to our wedding, Courtney was checking in and made the most awesome timeline for the wedding day. It was helpful to have her input with timing everything and just knowing she'd be on top of things to help me on the wedding day was a relief. Her positive attitude was extremely helpful when we had to stay at a photo location for longer than expected due to our bus breaking down and we made the location work to get the most photos possible! I would highly recommend Courtney and Scott!”⠀
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It’s that kind of encouragement that keeps me going! ⠀
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Wanna know more about how I got such a rave review? Head to my website to read more about me and my approach to photography or DM me with any questions you’ve got on how we can get started on capturing your engagement or wedding day photos! 💌
📸 How I Got the Shot 📸⠀
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I start off every wedding day by giving the bride a big hug before I jump into photographing all her bridal details! I love capturing items like the wedding dress, flowers, rings, and invitations first thing because each piece adds to the visual story of the day including the overall design, colors, and personality of my couple! ⠀
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Shooting these things first helps me get a sense of what to expect and what to look for throughout the wedding day because I know brides carefully curate the items they choose to include.⠀
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Depending on how much time I have, I try to photograph the rings in a couple different compositions and on a couple different backgrounds to give the couple some variety! I normally choose to place the rings on either the invitation or nestled in the bride’s flowers. ⠀
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On this particular wedding day, I focused on capturing the rings on the invitation with a seemingly shallow depth of field so that your eye is instantly drawn to the diamond ring as well as the date! It took me a couple minutes of careful balancing to get all three rings together like this with the engagement ring propped up but I absolutely love the end result! ⠀
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I knew I wanted the date in focus, as well, so if the couple decided to include this photo in their wedding album, this shot could serve two visual storytelling purposes; 1.) showing off their beautiful rings (which are symbolic of their marriage) and 2.) including their wedding date! ⠀
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💍 Technical Info:⠀
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📸 Shot on: Canon 5D Mark iii⠀
🔎 Lens: Canon 100mm Macro⠀
✨Lighting: Natural window light (camera left) with a reflector (camera right)⠀
👁 Aperature: f/5.6⠀
⏳Shutter Speed: 1/250⠀
💡ISO: 1250⠀
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Let me know in the comments if you like reading more technically informative posts like this, and I’d also love to answer any questions you might have about my approach or settings!
I showed this photo to the bride & groom right after I captured it because I loved everything about the composition! The Chicago skyline in the background and the movement in her wedding dress was just beautiful. ⠀
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The bride turned to me and said, “I guess I shouldn’t have had that bean burrito for dinner last night. . .” 😳😂😂😭 I just about died of laughter!! This is why I love my clients! They value their photography whole-heartedly, but they also have the best sense of humor! 💕#StayingUpWind #CourtneyCarolynCouples #ILoveMyJob
Our Valentine’s Day might look less like a fancy steak dinner and more like a carpet picnic with wine and a romantic-comedy since we’ll be on our honeymoon shortly, but I’m so excited for this year’s gifts!!⠀
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Although chocolate truffles and roses are always a fine choice, I think everyone really loves a gift that feels a bit more personal! And what’s more personal than printed photographs?! I’m sharing my meaningful Valentine’s gift ideas below and feel to steal these ideas for yourself! ⠀
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🚨 Spoiler Alert! 🚨⠀
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1.) For your special someone! 💍✨⠀
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Print your favorite photo of you both together - you know the one. Place the print in a pretty frame for their desk or have the image printed on a big, fine-art canvas and hang it in your livingroom or bedroom! Seeing your wedding photos on a daily basis is a great reminder of the vows you made to each other and the love you cherish! ⠀
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2.) For your besties! 👯‍♀️👑⠀
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This year I’ve printed my favorite photo of my girls and I from my wedding day, and I’m gifting it to each of them! We’ve all had the same old high school photos on display for forever, and I know they’ll love having an updated picture of us to hang on the wall. This is a thoughtful way to thank your wedding party and to keep a reminder of your best experiences together! I love providing images like these to my brides for this exact reason! ⠀
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CCP Couples ➡️ Head to your wedding or engagement gallery online and apply the code: HelloValentine to receive 10% OFF your next print or fine-art canvas order!!⠀
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All My Other Followers ➡️ I want you to have archival prints that are professional quality and I whole-heartedly recommend you order from a lab like @artifactuprising vs. a drugstore or 1-hour photo location! ⠀
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Valentine’s Day is only 1-week away so don’t wait to place your orders!
NEW BLOG POST! I love sharing parts of our wedding planning journey & I also just love to document our travels so I decided to share all about My 3-Day Bachelorette Trip to Las Vegas! ⠀
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I've included some of my favorite moments from the trip, how we planned it on top of all the other wedding expenses we had, and I’ve included an outline of our itinerary, full of fun activities, funny moments, and gift ideas, so if you’re ever headed West for a Weekend Getaway in Las Vegas, consider me your guide! . . .⠀
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Read more on the blog now by following the link in my profile! 🖤♦️♣️♥️♠️

Courtney Carolyn Photography

 courtney@courtneycarolynphotography.com

Based in Detroit, MI. Available for travel to Northern Michigan - Chicago - And Beyond


|| All content and images copyright 2019 to Courtney Carolyn Photography LLC. All Rights Reserved. || Mission ||